Plans to industrialise hundreds of hectares of Wattle Grove off the table

MOVES to industrialise hundreds of hectares of Wattle Grove are off the table after City of Kalamunda councillors voted unanimously to exclude the land use in planning for the semi-rural suburb.

Wattle Grove resident Maria Kelly said the community was relieved by the decision.

“We are thankful that the councillors have now respected the community view and have taken industrialisation off the table,” she said.

“Now we can enjoy living in our beautiful foothills community without the worry that our home and community will be turned into an industrial area.

“The community always understood that industrialisation equalled devastation.

“Devastation of our environment, community and amenity and we are very pleased that this is not something that we must contend with anymore.”

However Ms Kelly said residents remained cautious over future development plans for Wattle Grove.

“The motion passed indicates that a consultation program will occur with landowners within and bordering the subject area to determine the level of community support for a variety of land use concept plans excluding general or light industrial land uses,” she said.

“We are still cautious and vigilant and acknowledge that a successful outcome will hinge on the community’s faith being restored in the City and its newly sanctioned consultative process.”

The motion passed at the ordinary council overnight excludes any general or light industrial land uses for Wattle Grove South.

The motion was moved by Cr Margaret Thomas, seconded by Cr Dylan O’Connor. Mayor John Giardina did not participate in the vote.

Earlier this month the Reject Industrialisation in Wattle Grove Action Group called on Cr Giardina to stand down for failing to publicly intervene in the proposed rezoning of 310ha of Wattle Grove.

The motion presented at the annual electors’ meeting on February 5 was defeated.

The City of Kalamunda has been contacted for comment.